Visa Requirements: Most cruisers will be able to enter Ecuador without obtaining a visa ahead of time. Check out this link from the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see the requirements for you.

Please note that the harbor entrance is not buoyed at this time, and coupled with the currents that come with the area's 8-10 foot tidal range, it can be tricky. For that reason, it is REQUIRED by the Port Captain of Bahía that all incoming yachts enter with the Capitania's permission and with a qualified pilot aboard.Fisherman will offer to guide you in. Do Not Accept anyone other than a licensed pilot!But, not to worry, just approach to the waypoints given below, and call on VHF 69 for Puerto Amistad and we'll arrange for a pilot to come get you. Please note that the river shoals have changed since the DMA charts (below) were published, so approach from the West in order to avoid them. Please also be on the lookout for fishermen that work in the bay.

If at all possible, contact us by e-mail prior to your arrival so that we will be expecting you and you won't experience any avoidable delays. Please note that there is approximately 40cm more water than indicated on the tide tables, so check your arrival date with the tide tables if you have a deeper draft boat.

Waypoints:

WP0

00º 35.780S

080º28.300W

Virtual Sea Buoy

WP1

00º 35.805S

080º26.832W

"Waiting Room" Anchorage

Upon Arrival

When the pilot guides you in, you'll have the option to take a mooring or drop your own hook. A representative from the navy and health departmentmay visit you on the boat for a cursory inspection, and then you'll be free to come ashore. Come to our office and we'll give you the "lay of the land."

Check-In Procedure

The Ecuadorian Navy requires that all foreign flagged vessels be represented by an agency. In your case Puerto Amistad will perform that function. When you arrive, please make available to us originals of your ship's papers, passports, vaccination records, and zarpe from your previous port. We will scan them and return the originals quickly. We will coordinate your arrival with all appropriate authorities (Health ministry, Navy, Customs, and Immigration). We will make the process super-easy. You'll never have to leave the bar!

Immigration

You'll be given a 90 day multiple-entry visa upon arrival. The clock stops while outside the country. If you need additional time in Ecuador, we can help get a new visa with the ministry of foreign affairs. you will be applying for a visa extension and are a married couple or family, please bring marriage certificate and birth certificates with an Apostile on them.

Customs

Your boat will initially be allowed ninety days. Extensions are available for up to a year at additional cost. We will help you with the approvals of the extensions as needed.

Puerto Amistad Agency Checkin/Checkout

Let us do the work for you. Upon arrival an agency representative will greet you at your vessel. We will need your passports, Matricula (Vessel Title), and Zarpe.

The appropriate authorities will be contacted and inspections and boardings will be arranged. Normally the authorities will come the day following your arrival during the week, or if arrival on weekends or holidays the inspections will take place one working day after the holiday or weekend.

You will not need to make deposits for the various agencies nor travel to Manta. Just come in and relax and allow us to handle your Entrance Paperwork

Checkin/Checkout by Agency $350.00 In-Out International

$240.00 In/Out National

$300.00 In International/out National

Self Checkin Procedure.

Once arriving to Bahia de Caraquez you must contact the Port Capitin on channel 16.

After making contact and arranging for their boarding and inspection you will need to call Immigration in Manta to arrange their visit to check you in. Next, call Aduanas in Manta to arrange their inspection. And finally call Central Health to arrange an inspection.

Here are the documents you will need to do a self clear in. Remember, Country laws do not permit you to leave you vessel until all inspections are complete.

Once ashore you will need to go to the Port Capitans Office locted in front of Puerto Amistad will all of your documents. Here you will arrange payment for your entry to the port. There you will be gven the accont number to make a deposit to the bank for the payment to the port capitain.

Next, arrange a trip to Manta to make original signatures for Customs. Only the Capitain needs to go. Manta is 1 hour 40 minutes from Bahia de Caraquez by Taxi or you may go by bus.

That completes your self checkin.

Self Check-in Costs

Capitinia $40.66

Aduanas

Salud $ 5.00

Immigration $65.00 (50 transportation & $15 for processing)

Piloto $35.00

Panga for Authorities $ 5.00

INOCAR $0.30 per vessel ton

Checkout Procedure

Port Capitain with all of your entry documents.

Cost National $15 to $23

International $15 to $50

Next you will need to travel to Manta

Customs

You will need your temporary permission of customs that you received when you checked in and the copy of your Zarpe.

Immigration

Reciept of your payment of $15 at the bank of their choice.

Original Passports

Copy of Zarpe

Agency Letter from any of the agencies listed below

Maritime Agencies

BLUE OCEAN WEB

S.A. B.O.W

Av. Malecón y Calle 20 al lado Edif.“Altos del Mar” –

Manta 05-2621091 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.----------------------------------------------------------------------------